A preview of my Sense & Style Magazine feature in this February 2012 Issue!
(ugly roots!!! this was right before my haircut and hair color change.)
HEBE Manila’s 3rd Collection 02 | 10 | 12
Did the makeup of these two beautiful ladies, Georgina and Janelle!
A preview of my Sense & Style Magazine feature in this February 2012 Issue!
(ugly roots!!! this was right before my haircut and hair color change.)
I like referring to this color as “Super Barbie Pink.” It’s not the most wearable color in the world but I don’t think anyone can deny how pretty it is! I decided it would be perfect to give a review of it now while I’m Barbie/Blair Willows (according to my extremely cute and clever niece, Tasha) blonde!
It’s a milky pink that leans more towards the cool side of the color wheel, meaning it has blue undertones. I’ve tried wearing this too school and it got quite the attention. Haha!
Given that this is a Rouge Volupte, you won’t be able to find anything creamier or more moisturizing.
However, the problem with statement colors such as this is that it doesn’t suit everyone. In my opinion, they contrast beautifully with really light almost alabaster skin. It will also most likely clash with red and orange-y hair but will work perfectly for girls with blonde or dark hair.
Under warmer light, it looks like this…
Another problem with high moisture lipsticks is that they wear off quickly. What I LOVE about the Rouge Voluptes is that they are highly pigmented. Even if you blot your lips with tissue right after you apply it, the color will stay. For hours. This is how it looked like after I blotted it:
I always look forward to buying new Voluptes! I think every makeup and lipstick loving girl should have at least one of these. Sadly, they don’t sell in the Philippines anymore.
(Please excuse the poor quality of this photo!)
These ultra-sophisticated lippies sell for $34!
What’s YOUR favorite pink lipstick? :)
Every year during the holidays, I make sure to drop by MAC stores. This is because it is only in MAC’s Holiday Collection that they release palettes and brush sets.
They always run out of stock so quickly so I never got to get a set for myself… until I received it as a present this year from mom and dad! (Thank youuu!)
Make it Perfect Brush Kit/Essential
What’s the big deal about it? One individual MAC Brush never goes below P1200. I got my MAC 217 Brush (MAC’s most popular eyeshadow brush) for around P1870. Waiting for the brush kits is always worth it because you get five brushes for around P3400 to P3800. The only real difference is that the handles are shorter. And that’s not such a bad thing at all.. It’s easier to lug around and they’re even special edition ones.
The Essential kit to me is the most functional. It has everything I’ll need for my everyday makeup. A foundation brush (190 SE), a powder/blush brush (129 SE), a soft fluffly angled eyeshadow brush (275 SE), a crease/blending eyeshadow brush (226 SE) and an small angle brush perfect for creating precise lines both on the brows and the eyelids (266 SE). The clear kit that comes along with it is also a big plus. I like all my small makeup kits clear so it’s easier to find stuff and I wouldn’t have to dig around and take everything out each time I need something while I’m on the go.
BRUSH DESCRIPTIONS:
266 SE Small Angle Brush
For creating sharp, precise lines. This brush has fibres which are carefully arranged to form a perfect angle
129 SE Powder/Blush Brush
All-purpose for blush or face powder. This brush is particularly good for blush application. The fibers are soft and form a full, rounded shape.
275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush
For applying and blending eye shadow. This brush has soft, smooth fibers and a full, angled design.
190 SE Foundation Brush
Pro-quality. A foundation brush designed to create a smooth, even finish, flawless look. Works well with any M·A·C foundation, including Studio Fix and Studio Tech. Use to apply, distribute, and blend foundation into all areas in the face.
226 SE Small Tapered Blending Brush
The thinner and more tapered version of the 224 Tapered Blending Brush which is a for controlled eye shadow application.
Mom also got me these brush protectors from Suesh! Perfect to keep the bristles in place!
It’s that time of the year again — the time of the year when women of all shoe sizes get the chance of spending their well-earned and well-saved moolah on imported shoes for a much cheaper price.
Many of my comfiest heels and platforms, I got from Shoe Addict. From what I remember, they sell brands like Nine West, Chinese Laundry, Mia, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, and a lot of others, mostly for just about P2,500! There are always so much to choose from! They have everything from the comfiest flats, closed and open, to the most glamorous heels.
Shoes Galore! (photo from Shoe Addict Online)
And hey, I just remembered, it’s PROM SEASON! For sure you’ll find the prettiest pair of glass slippers fit for a Prom Queen!
Make sure to RSVP to 0917-5965772 if you plan on dropping by as there is always a guest list! See you on the 27th and 28th at Discovery Suites, Shoe Addicts!
P.S. Add them up on Facebook at Shoe Addict Online!
Villa del Conte Cioccolato Sublime.
Thank God for Villa del Conte. If not for them, where would I go for my Banana-flavored chocolate fix?
Recently saw their biggest store at Resorts World Manila too! Loved the old heritage vibe of it!
Photographed: Villa del Conte Praline Sticks
There’s always something about the scent of a person. I don’t know if it’s true for everyone but I find that a person’s scent is a huge part of his/her attractiveness. (Of course, who would be attracted to someone with body odor?)
As for me, I almost never wear cologne. I’m very very — again, very — picky when it comes to scents. First of all, it’s because I have allergic rhinitis and a really strong scented perfume would get me teary eyed and sneezing the whole day. Secondly, it greatly affects my mood. Don’t ask how, it just does.
For the longest time, I’ve been using Ralph Lauren’s Cool as my perfume, and occasionally Bath & Body Works’ White Citrus and White Tea and Ginger — that is, if I’m wearing any at all. Lately though, I’ve found myself being unable to leave the house without spritzing on this Spanish perfume (that also came with its equivalent body balm) sent to me by Rustan’s just this Christmas — Agua de Colonia Fresca HIERBAS DE IBIZA.
I am absolutely in love with its bright, fresh, and herbal scent. It automatically gives me an image of the aquamarine waters of Ibiza reflecting its old town harbour. (Yes, as if I’ve actually been there myself.) I imagine it to be how the air smells at sunrise in this Mediterranean and earthly paradise as well as the spirit that comes along with it.
What I find very intriguing and surprising about this scent is that it doesn’t dictate who should wear it. It couldn’t be more light and natural. Men, women, children, elderly — we’ll all be able to pull it off.
Initially, a spritz, gives you a mix of orange, lemon, lavender, lemon verbena, and rosemary. The head notes are always sharp; to me, the verbena is distinct and reminds me of my four-year-old niece’s scent.
After a few seconds, the heart notes rise, giving off the scents of thyme, verbena, sage, geranium, and jasmine — all of which give me an image of old peninsulares in white linen polos or dresses. Classic yet refreshing (let’s not think snooty), if I must say.
The base notes, ones which bring depth and solidity to a perfume, the scent that stays on you practically the whole day, is what I am obsessed with (I think I give myself a spritz at least thrice in a day.) The perfect blend of orange blossom, cinnamon, and vanilla keeps me feeling calm and secure the whole day. You will never quite grasp why it smells so familiar and where you’ve had a whiff of it. So you just keep looking (or sniffing, if that’ll be more appropriate) for it — just like you seek your home, a loved one, a comforting embrace.
So if you happen to get a whiff of me — and you like it, Agua de Colonia Fresca HIERBAS DE IBIZA [pronounced: yer-bas deebeeza; translation: Herbs of Ibiza] is available in the Philippines at Rustan’s Beauty Source. The 50ml bottle of perfume is P1,950, 100ml is P2,950, and 200ml is P3,950.
www.hierbasdeibiza.com. Ibiza Lives On In You.
They say that once you start dyeing your hair, you’re never really satisfied until you’ve tried the extreme. In my case and since having my hair colored since I was in first year of college — my FIRST first year of college in Ateneo, that is — I’ve just always decided to go lighter and lighter but the itch would never go away. It was quite a long and not-so-painful journey (many say it is) of bleaching and dyeing before I finally decided to turn BLONDE.
Since it’s a new year (Happy New Year, by the way!) and the year of the blue dragon at that (Yes, I’m a dragon baby!) I thought it was the perfect time to welcome the year with an extremely new look. I knew I had to cut my hair (for the first time, my mother did not have to bug me about my long mane) if I wanted to go really blonde and because I wanted to try something new, I also decided to try out my sister’s hairstylist.
Lourd Ramos of Creations chopped 4.5 inches off my hair in like, 5 minutes! I admit I was a bit nervous at first but I had to remind myself that it never takes too long for anyone to do something if he’s an expert at it. I loved it instantly!
I knew I couldn’t welcome the new year with my usual light golden brown blonde hair or my “carrot blonde” hair as Fashion Editor Anna Canlas defined it in her Spot.ph’s 10 Scene Stealers in the Blogosphere article. I had it bleached at Aura Salon a day before we went out of town. Because my colorist wasn’t there, I didn’t have it colored yet. So my hair was naked for 5 days and looked more yellow blonde.
Right after I got back, I set a date with Ms. Jessica, the only person I trust my hair color with. The reason for such is that she’s the only one who knows the story of my hair — from the very first touch of dye to my virgin 18 year old hair and all that came after that. Like I said, I often get asked what my hair color is and my general answer is usually… “I don’t know.” because I change color faster than seasons do. Applying a different colored dye on top of previously dyed hair gives a very different result from applying the same dye over dark hair/light hair.
It’s not very often that clients of Aura Salon ask for extreme color changes that’s why I know I excite Ms. Jessica every time I come in because she’s always challenged! To get my hair to look exactly like it did on the swatch, she had to bleach my hair a second time before applying L’Oreal Professionnel’s Majirel in LEVEL 9 in 911 Lightening True Ashen Blonde. My hair was previously at level 7. Level 10 is the lightest you can go — think Lady Gaga Platinum Blonde. I always go for Ash based color because I’m not Caucasian and golden blonde might just look so fake on me.
A warning to all those who want light hair though, dye is still a chemical. I’m very lucky to have been born with a strong scalp which did not feel one stitch of pain (I hear others feel like they’re in hell when they get their hair bleached) and strong hair.
Like I said, my motto is, “If all else fails, go blonder.” I think I no longer have that itch to scratch. So far I’ve gotten good feedback! My friend, Erren, wasn’t even surprised when she saw me because she said it looks natural. Or maybe she’s just used to hanging out with blondes. So far, I’ve gotten Jessica Alba with Fantastic Four hair,
Angelina Jolie in Salt,
Princess Yue of The Last Airbender,
Mia Ayesa,
and Blair Willows of my nieces’ favorite movie, Barbie Princess Charm School (HAHAHA!)
When in actuality, if I had a peg, it would definitely be my Pinay girl crush Cristina Garcia, who said she’s a bleach addict!
Pati katawan niya, peg ko. Those abs!
Only one person said something mean about my newly colored hair — apparently Pinay na Pinay and itsura at kulay ko at hindi daw bagay sa akin ang blonde kasi walang halo ang dugo ko. (How was she so sure kaya?) To you (there’s a big chance she actually reads my blog HAHAHA), I wish nothing but more concealer for you so you don’t always look like a zombie with those scary dark under eye circles. I’m nice, I still like giving beauty tips even to mean and bitter people so they look nice on the outside, especially when the inside isn’t. ;)
All I know is that blonde hair, or any color for that matter, suits a confident woman! What matters is that you pull it off. So don’t be afraid to try drastic changes! What’s great about it is that you can reinvent yourself as well — new makeup looks to try, your wardrobe, even when very old, can look brand new with new hair! In my case it even gives me courage to try different things and go further than what I’ve done before. Hair is not JUST HAIR. It IS your crowning glory.
Hi! My favorite liquid foundation is Clinique Superbalanced Makeup. I also like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. As for makeup brushes, I recommend Suesh makeup brushes. They have stores in Wilson and TriNoma. They also sell online. :)
FINALLY (I’m starting to notice that I’ve been beginning my few-and-far-between blog posts with this) — I’m on Christmas break and what better way to celebrate than to go shopping?? I very rarely shop in the country as I like doing really big sprees when I’m abroad.The last time I went on a shopping spree was when Clean & Clear gave me and Sab PhP21,000 worth of gift certificates from Forever 21. (Thank you Clean & Clear!)
However, I believe there are a few exceptions when it comes to going on shopping sprees here — the clothes have to be really affordable, of incredible quality (bye bye Greenhills!), and at least somewhat unique (meaning you won’t see at least ten people wearing the same dress).
So imagine my excitement when I found out that one of my favorite brands, which I’ve already blogged about before here: http://kissedandmadeup.tumblr.com/post/4722205905/singapore-fashion-haul-cotton-on-pull-bear-bershka (urgh, shortcut link isn’t working as of the moment) and here:http://kissedandmadeup.tumblr.com/post/8365182785/what-the-great-singapore-sale-of-2011-did-to-me, is now… HERE! Yes, Spain’s BERSHKA, also Zara and Pull & Bear’s sister brand, is in Manila!
and, you won’t believe it, at much lower prices! All items are about half of the actual prices… and not because they’re defective overruns but because Bershka is having its introductory sale in the country!
The white running bond brick walls (of course I notice these things) and the black clothes racks add to the understated glamour all Bershka items seem to have.
I’m not the biggest fan of color and I tend to go for low key muted tones when dressing up but that doesn’t mean I don’t love prints, interesting patterns and unique textures.
I say that a girl can never have too many camis. These are my wardrobe staples. I got this one and a black one for just P450! They’re originally around P900. Win!
I don’t think Bershka ever runs out of their signature Red, White, and Blue items.
Like I said, I’m a sucker for prints and patterns in low key colors.
Blues, greys, beiges — they never get old. There’s something about them that keeps me feeling safe, warm, and just laid back all the time. I’d say it’s just very…me. Very no fuzz, “casual cool” don’t you think?
I rarely wear pants anymore. To the point that my friends think I look weird when I wear them. Shorts are so much comfier and easier to move in, not to mention cooler…literally. These shorts sell for P650 to P900. Not bad AT ALL.
I just had to get this rust and black animal print dress! It was just P900!!! Perfect for Christmas get-togethers with maybe a pair of tights and heels and can still be pulled off on ordinary days with simple flats and a bouncy pony tail.
Took a few pictures of my sister wearing clothes she tried on and bought…
Blue tailored shorts for P600 (Original price at around P900)
Floral Maxi Skirt
Dark grey blazer
Blue tube dress with white bird print at P900 (Originally around P1800)
We went home with more than 10 items at the price of maybe 3 to 4 average priced Zara items. Here are some of them..
All shorts for P600
Skinny jeans for P1000
Tomorrow I shall have an attempt at fashion photography and fashion blogging. Oh Lord, please help this beauty blogger to not make a fool of herself.
It’s just 5 days before Christmas! If you still haven’t finished shopping and haven’t found the perfect (but inexpensive) gift for mom/sister/tita/cousin/best friend… Hey, Bershka is open everyday.
TIP: Don’t wait for when Bershka is in Rockwell and Greenbelt already because prices will double, even triple, for sure! I would take advantage now, if I were you.
P.S. A million thanks to my friend Kor for inviting me and her dad for bringing Bershka here and making me a happy happy girl!
P.P.S. Boys, Bershka Man available this coming January 2012! Save up!
Every time I go to CrossFit, I am DEATHLY AFRAID of what the WOD (Workout of the Day) would be. You never really know what’s coming your way. Those who went earlier in the day could easily leak it, but you’re never really ready for it — at least that’s how it is for me since I’m just starting.
If there’s anything in life that scares me to my wit’s end, it’s uncertainty — of time, of a situation, of the level of difficulty, but most of all, uncertainty about yourself and your capability of handling whatever’s thrown at you. Most of the time, you just have to be ready to catch it.
This is Klaire (Yapyuco-Reyes), one of my Crossfit buddies. She’s getting ready to do a Snatch…
…and executes it perfectly! She said she wanted to look hardcore. She isn’t even aware that she actually IS hardcore and intense! Among the three girls in her group, she lifted the heaviest. She lifted 65lbs like it was a feather. (Klaire, when Jai joins, let’s show photos of you kicking his ass! haha!)
Don’t even ask how much I lifted. It’s embarrassing.
I am pretty sure I’m one of the weakest — I hate not being able to do handstands or even just plain skipping rope. I suck at burpees, pull ups, even sit ups; I could go on and on. I get frustrated about not being able to finish all the rounds and scared of disappointing my coaches. But I guess at the end of the WOD, as of now at least, what matters is that I did what I could and I pushed myself almost to my breaking point (most of the time, I can’t even stand up anymore).
Box Jumps
It will surprise you how you will most likely forget that you went there to slim down or simply just get a workout. Your goal evolves into becoming stronger and surviving longer. Klaire and I were talking with each other after the WOD and I found out she felt the exact same way. She even goes on to say that when she wakes up in the morning, one of her first thoughts is what the WOD would be for that day! Another thing we love is the fact that there are no mirrors. It’s okay to be “ugly” and you don’t waste your time looking at yourself, checking if your arms are slimmer/bigger. It strips you of vanity. It will never be about toning your arms or trimming your thighs anymore — Your only goal now is to become better than you were yesterday, to work harder tomorrow than you did today.
Burpees (my worst enemy)
(Thanks for the photos, Ayet! Sali na!)
All of those, you don’t get from your conventional gym so easily. (Side comment: Guys — yes, especially you guys, there is no “arms day” or a “legs day.” Basta, wala lang talaga, okay? It will never make sense.) In your conventional gym it will be very difficult to get motivation because most of the time you will need to do so on your own. You will need someone, or even a group of people, to push you to keep coming back and it won’t be easy to find these kinds of people. In CrossFit, well, you HAVE TO go. Nobody will force you, but you will want to go. You will always have something to prove. It becomes a part of you.
So even if I haven’t done as well as I wish I could have, I’d say I still get a reasonable amount of pride from doing what I did. I face my fears everyday. What could be more rewarding than that? I finally stopped saying “Tomorrow, I promise.” and turned it into “What the heck, I’m just going to do this TODAY.” You find a way.
Hopefully, Arki life will be nicer to me this semester. :( I really want to just keep doing this. As one of my coaches would always say “Jilli, no stopping.”
It came to a point where I stopped buying makeup already. Don’t get me wrong, I still love them but I think I have enough… for now. Haha! Meanwhile, I’ve been shifting my attention to skincare products and other beauty solutions!
I got this very interesting product from my last Singapore trip with my best friend Sab. Both of us are Soap & Glory fans — they have such unique products and the most entertaining packaging! I’m going to skip typing down the details and let you read what it says on the packaging yourself.
I’ve had this for about 3 months already but when I was about to use it, I read that it works better with diet and exercise. I didn’t want to waste it and decided to use it at a time where I can get optimal results…
…which is now. I’ve been using it morning and night after showering since I started CrossfitMNL a week ago. It has a subtle minty smell and I actually feel my skin tightening right after use. I honestly don’t know how effective it is or will be but my belief is that it’s always better to do something — even if it isn’t a problem, than just leaving it be.
When it comes to skin and body care, NEVER EVER BE TOO CONFIDENT. Even if you’re drop dead gorgeous,the sun is the sun, pollutants are pollutants, time is time — your skin and your body are subject to them. Your perfect skin and your hot body will not last forever. All you can really do is to DELAY the DECAY. Do what you can now so you don’t worry about it tomorrow. Prevention is key.
Spot the difference.
(Disclaimer: These are not mine. hahaha.)
I know I’m not letting mine look like orange peels.
Who doesn’t love presents??? I received quite a lot these past couple of months (considering how my birthday is in August) and they are all just fabulous! Thank you guys! <3
The newest member of my Jessica Simpson shoe collection — Brook. Nude with 4 inch heel, 1.1 inch platform, and petite peep toe front. From my Ninang Alma!
Vegas Volt — my first MAC lippie! (also from my wonderful ninang!)
I have an inexplicable addiction with KitKat! I got 10 boxes of these Japanese Cookies & Cream KitKat (plus 3 packs of extra creamy original KitKat) from a friend! :>
Vegan makeup primer also from my ninang!
I’ve been wanting to have one of these since they came out! My third UD primer in addition to the orignial and sin. Love the gold! (again, from my ninang! I’m so swerte to be her inaanak, noh? hehehe!)
and, last but definitely not the least (siyempre, it’s the most expensive rin eh! haha!) My beloved Blackberry Curve 9300 3G from A who got so awa because my N97 mini was literally falling apart. Thank you. I know you worked hard to be able to buy me one, I appreciate it everyday. :)
I’ve done it. I finally got off my ass and decided to work on it… and the rest of my body. I enrolled myself in CrossfitMNL and I did so not just because of their damn good coaches (Hi A! Haha!) but also because I actually enjoy lifting weights and I knew they do a lot of those there. It might be a little difficult to believe but ever since getting weight lifting for my 1st ever PE in Ateneo, I was hooked. I don’t think lifting would never bore me unlike other common exercises (read:treadmill…DREADmill is more like it. I’ve also done yoga but I’m just too impatient.) So I think I can say that Crossfit is a good fit for me.
My first ever Crossfit class was very difficult for me since I haven’t stepped foot in a gym since forever. For our warm-up we had to do the following:
300m row, pass throughs, good mornings, push ups, wall slides, Samson lunges, and the Burgener warm-up.
The WOD (Workout of the day) was:
As many rounds as you can of hand stand push ups (of course I couldn’t do that so they just made me do pyramid push ups), pistol squats (they were extra nice to me :D they made me do Bulgarian split squats instead), and pull ups.
I felt really good afterwards and my body didn’t hurt so much so I went at it again the next day. We did the same warm-ups but the WOD was quite challenging. We had to do 8 rounds, 1min 30secs each round, of 12 squats, 9 v-ups, 6 sumo deadlift high pulls, and 3 hang cleans. Now THAT left my body feeling like it had been run over by a 10-wheeler truck on drive and then on reverse for 3 days. But I liked it and for some reason, I just want to come back for more.
What I like about Crossfit is that it isn’t your typical gym setting. At the gym, you move at your own pace and sometimes end up just doing repetitive movements with no intensity at all, just to get over it. Crossfit is more of a community of people with similar goals, helping and encouraging each other to run that last mile, to push just one more time until you, as Crossfit coach A Dela Cruz would always say, “finish strong.”
In brief, Crossfit is cross-training with practical exercises. Workouts vary everyday and are a combination of Cardio, Track and Field, Plyometrics, Gymnastics, Kettlebell, and Weight lifting — all of this with high intensity.
However, I know MOST girls, especially Filipinas, stay away from these kinds of exercise (more so when it includes weight lifting) because they think they’ll end up looking like this:
It’s funny, really. What they don’t know is that these women practically live in the gym, train 24/7, have strict diets, and are on steroids (increasing the testosterone in their bodies). So many Filipina girls prefer sticking to the treadmill and 2lb dumbells. Honestly, where do you think bicep curling 2lb dumbells forever and ever will get you? Nowhere. I’m positive that it’s the reason they’re called DUMBells. Haha. Okay, that might me too exaggerated. They do have their use but they’re not going to get you anywhere you want anytime soon.
In reality, weight training and Crossfit, make women’s body look like these:
Strong (btw, this is how I am able to do pull ups! hurrah for giant rubber bands!)
Tight
and with purpose and function (not just for aesthetics!)
and if you’re naturally thin, it could even make you look like this:
I, on the other hand, have never been a fan of the skinny body. I don’t like looking weak and it’s probably because I used to get teased about it. If I could have my way and choose someone else’s body for myself, I’d definitely go for pole-vauler, Allison Stokke’s or Victoria’s Secret Angel (and my ultimate girl crush) Doutzen Kroes’ body.
Of course I’m not going to be able to achieve the exact same body but I’ve chosen them for reference based on how I know my own. Having similar shoulder silhouettes and the not so tiny waist (far from being an hourglass) gives me an idea of what I could achieve realistically (but not Doutzen’s incredible abs, for sure).
I guess what I’m also trying to point out is that beauty isn’t just achieved by taking good care of what is seen in the exterior — taking care of your skin and putting on makeup. If a girl is healthy to her core, it most definitely will show on the outside. A strong woman (in this case, I mean physically) is a beautiful woman.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s WOD. :)
